NSW SES provide a flood update at 8:30am on Friday, May 23, 2025. Footage by ABC News
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00:00Through to 5am this morning we had 535 requests for assistance and incidents come through
00:07to the New South Wales SES.
00:09In the last 24 hours prior we had 177 flood rescues.
00:15The total event incidents since this weather event occurred has been more than 5,700, so
00:21a very significant event affecting large parts of the community, and the total flood rescues
00:25has been more than 670.
00:29We've got currently more than 150 flood warnings in place, and importantly 40 of those are
00:34at emergency level, and we're continuing to respond to this record-breaking floods along
00:40the State's community on the North Coast.
00:43So with those emergency warnings, which is the most severe, where it is about shelter
00:47in place or evacuate, shelter in place is really important as well if you can't get out and
00:52the roads are cut off, we urge the public to heed our warnings.
00:57We don't issue them lightly.
00:59We assess the risks.
01:00Sometimes those risks aren't realised, but in this circumstance with record flooding,
01:04it's really important that you listen to our warnings.
01:07If those don't eventuate, that's a good outcome.
01:11But what we're seeing is significant flooding that is affecting the community, and also cutting
01:15people off where they actually are isolated and can't get access to food and other items.
01:22On the mid-north coast currently we have at least nine helicopters assigned to the area.
01:27We will get more if required.
01:29More than 500 boats and vessels.
01:32More than 2,200 SES volunteers.
01:36And our multi-agency support.
01:37With events like this, it is multi-agencies that actually respond.
01:42So that includes Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, Volunteer Rescue Association,
01:49Surfly Saving NSW and many other agencies as well in support of the NSW SES.
01:56They're there to support the community during their hour of need, and we thank our interagency
02:00partners.
02:01We know that currently there's approximately 50,000 people that are currently isolated during
02:05the floodwaters.
02:06And I'll be talking a little bit later around what we're going to be doing to ensure that
02:10we can have resupply of food and essential medications.
02:14Sadly, there's a number of people that have lost their lives as a result of this severe
02:19weather event, and our condolences go out to friends and family of those that have lost
02:24their lives.
02:25There are a number that are still missing as well, and that search continues.
02:30And our thoughts are for those communities out there that have been affected by this major
02:33and significant weather event.
02:35It's going to take some time.
02:36As we know, Australians and NSW people are resilient.
02:40We will get through this, and we will be there to support you.
02:45So in addition to these rescues, we are currently supporting the people that are isolated and
02:51need food and medications.
02:53Our attention will turn to that.
02:55So please call 132 500 in order to get those items, and we can support you.
03:02The boats and helicopters will be turning their attention.
03:05We do prioritise obviously life-threatening flood rescues prior to resupply.
03:10But we will in coming days, making sure that we provide that resupply in parallel.
03:16So if you do need resupply, reiterating 132 500.
03:21I urge the community, if you haven't already, download the Hazards Near Me app.
03:24That is one mechanism of how we ensure that messages are provided through to you in areas
03:30of risk.
03:31It's also for bushfires and many other natural disasters as well.
03:34So please download it.
03:36We do, however, use lots of other methods as well, social media, TV, radio and door knocking,
03:42and emergency alerts as well.
03:44So sometimes telecommunications can be impacted.
03:47We have seen that.
03:48The telcos have advised that in some of these flood affected areas that telecommunications
03:52have been sporadic or have gone down.
03:54So don't rely on one method of communication.
03:57If you have a radio that is actually battery operated, it's always a good idea to have
04:02that ready and prepared as well.
04:03So you can access emergency warnings, especially if electricity goes out as well.
04:09So as the weather system moves south, and we'll get an update from Jane from the Bureau shortly,
04:14the NSW SES is concerned around flash flooding around the Sydney metro area and further south
04:21and southern highlands.
04:22We are seeing effects on that central coast in Sydney areas currently, and minor flooding
04:27in the Colo, Hawkesbury and Nepean rivers.
04:29The Nepean dam is currently spilling, and meanwhile it is possible that the Warragamba dam may spill
04:36sometime Friday or Saturday.
04:38However, Water NSW has advised that that likelihood has decreased overnight where the water and
04:44rainfall is actually falling.
04:46We'll continue to monitor that, liaise with them and provide messaging out to the community
04:50to make sure you're well aware of any impacts that may result.
04:54So once again, make sure that you are well aware of the risks in your local community,
04:59and where you live, or where you may be travelling through.
05:02Stay diligent.
05:03Do not drive through floodwaters.
05:06I thank the community for heeding our warnings.
05:10Really important you do so.
05:11The community has worked really well with the NSW SES, but please do not drive, walk, play
05:18or do other things through those floodwaters.
05:20They are dangerous.
05:21We have seen some of the terrible outcomes that result from those floodwaters.
05:27So please don't take that risk.
05:29Even a small amount of water can cause your vehicle to move or for you to be carried away.
05:36So in coming days, the NSW SES is very much focused on both the resupply, but as those
05:42waters subside, returning safely.
05:45We will support the community with getting back into homes as soon as possible.
05:49But assessing risk and assessing the damage is really vital.
05:53There are many risks that come with floodwaters if your home or premise has been inundated.
05:58Floodwaters have contaminants.
05:59There can be vermin, snakes and other vermin as well.
06:03So you need to assess those risks.
06:05Electricity can also pose a danger as well.
06:07So when you return, make sure you assess those risks.
06:10If you're unsure, especially with electrical hazards, get a qualified electrician in and
06:15make sure that it is free of risk.
06:17Don't risk yourself and your family.
06:19Don't risk yourself and your family.
06:24Thank you Camille and family.
06:26Thank you
06:39forulum.